The Pokémon Company has officially revealed the 30th anniversary trading card game set, featuring special Pikachu variants and reprints of iconic cards. The set, titled 30th Celebration, will launch worldwide on September 19, 2026, following its initial tease during the Pokémon Day Presents event in February.
New Futuristic Rare Cards
The set introduces a new rarity called 'futuristic rare,' with cards illustrated by Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN. Two confirmed futuristic rare cards are Mewtwo and Mew, each showcasing a unique futuristic aesthetic.
30 Unique Pikachu Illustrations
Each booster pack of the 30th Celebration set will include at least one of 30 different Pikachu cards, each illustrated by a different artist. Three of these cards have been revealed in the trailer, created by artists OKACHEKE, Yuu Nishida, and Atsoko Nishida. This variety aims to celebrate the diversity of Pokémon art and give collectors a wide range of designs to enjoy.
Inclusion of Later Generations
Beyond the first generation, the set includes Pokémon from later generations. Confirmed cards feature Umbreon, Espeon, Drifloon, Lycanroc, Zorua, and Lapras, as well as Sylveon and Greninja as rare 'ex' cards. This expansion ensures that fans of all eras of Pokémon can find something to appreciate.
Reprints of Classic Cards
One of the most exciting aspects of the 30th Celebration set is the reprinting of classic cards. The coveted shiny Charizard from the original base set returns with a gold finish, while Pikachu & Zekrom-GX from the Sun & Moon – Team Up expansion is also included. These reprints allow newer collectors to obtain iconic cards without paying exorbitant secondary market prices.
Scalping Concerns and Pricing
Collecting Pokémon cards in 2026 has become a challenging endeavor due to scalpers. It remains unclear whether the 30th anniversary cards will be priced higher than standard sets through the official store, as pre-orders have not yet opened. However, demand is expected to be exceptionally high, and many fans anticipate that cards will be resold on platforms like eBay at inflated prices, which has been a source of frustration for the community.
Upcoming Mainline Game
On the video game front, the next mainline Pokémon title, Pokémon Winds and Waves, is set to launch next year on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game's setting is inspired by a tropical archipelago in Southeast Asia. It is unlikely to be featured in the next Nintendo Direct, if one occurs in June, and may not be shown again publicly until next year.
